Inhibitory Signals

Definition

These are signals in the nervous system that decrease the likelihood of a neuron firing an action potential, or "message."

Analogy

Think of inhibitory signals like a traffic light. When it's green, cars (or in our case, neurons) can go ahead and move (fire). But when the light turns red (inhibitory signal), it tells the cars to stop moving.

Related terms

Hyperpolarization: This is an increase in a cell's membrane potential, making it more negative and less likely to fire an action potential.

GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid): This is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain that helps to slow down neuron activity.

Synaptic Transmission: This is the process by which one neuron communicates with another by releasing neurotransmitters at a synapse.